Infinity join tennis cause

THE Tennis Federation of Cambodia saw their list of enthusiastic sponsors gain another member in the form of Infinity General Insurance Plc. Preliminary talks between the TFC and Infinity over a term-specific sponsorship deal concluded last week, with the local insurance company pledging to offer the federation financial and logistical assistance in hosting three tennis tournaments this year.

Of greater significance was Infinity’s commitment to sharing the burden with the TFC’s main junior programme sponsor, ANZ Royal bank, in organising Cambodia’s first International Tennis Federation Men’s Futures Circuit event early next year.

While welcoming Infinity to the TFC fold, Secretary General Tep Rithivit allayed concerns that the new sponsor could trigger a clash of interests between other contributors. “Ezecom continues to be our main sponsors,” he said. “There are absolutely no qualms in any quarters over Infinity joining in. In fact, they are more than welcome. That’s how the tennis community feels.”

Infinity CEO David Carter said the move to step into tennis stemmed from his company’s unswerving commitment to corporate social responsibility. “Tennis’s global appeal and profile fits very well into our own aims and goals as an essential component for social change and community development,” he said.

“Just as tennis brings great benefits to society, so does Infinity. It makes for a very good partnership, something both should be proud of.”

Carter added that Infinity’s main objective was to empower businesses to transform risks into opportunities and sustainable growth. “And there is no better platform than tennis to achieve this.”

Infinity’s initial involvement may not add up to much in financial terms. A nominal sum is being contributed towards the organisation of the Cham Prasidh Open tournament planned for July 17-25. During the 2010 Cambodian Open in October, Infinity will donate numerous prizes as well as chipping in for the annual Tep Khunnah Memorial Cup in December.

“But Infinity’s main thrust is on the Future’s event, and from the TFC standpoint it is a notable contribution,” said Tep Rithivit.

“We are adopting a step-by-step approach here,” Carter said. “We need to tread a careful path. First and foremost there is not much leeway in our budget this year, which makes a big change difficult at this stage. But most certainly we can help tennis to a bigger extent next year.”

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